🚨 BREAKING NEWS:
Pokémon Stores in Japan to Roll Out Mandatory Facial Recognition to Block Resellers and Scalping
Pokémon Stores in Japan will begin requiring facial recognition for entry and queue-ticket collection starting with the next round of pop-up locations, a sharp escalation in anti-reseller measures that mirrors the recent My Number API authentication rollout on Pokémon Center Online.
From July 31 to August 16, five temporary Pokémon Card Stores will enforce the system: AEON Mall Natori, Chofu PARCO, AEON Mall Higashiura, AEON Mall Hiroshima Fuchu, and AEON Mall Chikushino.
Anyone elementary-school age or older must undergo facial recognition both at the door and when receiving a queue ticket. Preschool children remain exempt but must be accompanied by a guardian.
Core rules are strict and automated:
• One entry and one queue ticket per person per day.
• The system flags any second attempt the same day and denies access.
• Temporary exits require staff notification;
leaving without clearance permanently blocks re-entry that day.
The stated goal is straightforward: stop unauthorized entry and duplicate purchases by professional resellers so genuine fans, especially children, can shop without being squeezed out.
Official notices frame the technology as a security and fairness tool that also enforces purchase limits. Personal-data handling is referenced but not detailed in the public announcements.
The move lands alongside Pokémon Center Online’s new My Number-based account verification, signaling a broader shift toward identity-locked systems across official Pokémon retail channels.
Whether permanent Pokémon Centers will follow remains unconfirmed, but the direction is clear: technical barriers are replacing reliance on staff vigilance alone.
Do we need the same measures overseas?
@fia Gasly was slapped with the same penalty in Monaco. How did he manage to fight that one? He 'went' 0.1 over the limit and his team managed to lodge an appeal and they won
I have such little capacity and interest in dealing with a falling out that happened over a year ago.
It's fucking Feminine and gay. To the guys who I fell out with that see this.
The fact I still live in your heads rent free is utterly diabolical. Move the fuck on bruv.
🚨 | Fred Vasseur: “Hamilton at risk of a penalty? Yes, we told him too late and there was nothing he could do because he was already in the middle of the corner."
"There was a yellow flag, but he didn’t receive the signal.”
“If the penalty comes, our strategy won’t change because Leclerc will move up one position anyway.”
@stephxch My trip to Minnesota for the NAWCQ for Yugioh was 750 for the plane ticket.
Absolutely diabolical. A two hour flight mind you.
My trip to CA last year? 500 for the ticket.